Hewitt targets 'unjust' farm subsidies

European farm subsidies are "two-faced and unjust" and must be reformed, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt told conference.

She said the demands of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy placed unacceptable burdens on the developing world.

She said: "We cannot and will not accept a system of subsidies that gives two dollars a day to every cow in Europe - but leaves 1,200 million men, women and children living on half that amount.

"More than half our trade is with Europe. We are Europeans, pro-Europe and pro reform in Europe.

Values

"On the matter of trade Europe is two-faced, demanding market opening from the poor but practising to defend their own special interests.

"We are the fourth largest economy in the world. We are one of the oldest and most open trading nations in the world.

"So whether it's a farmer in Tanzania or a manufacturing worker on Tyneside we will stay true to our values."

Mrs Hewitt also said she believed the EU would win its case at the World Trade Organisation against "unjust" US steel tariffs.